School worker charged with soliciting girl under 16: IT employee was also Noble High boys basketball coach

Saturday

Feb 16, 2013 at 3:15 AMFeb 16, 2013 at 11:41 AM

PORTSMOUTH — A school employee was arrested Friday on charges alleging he used the Internet to sexually solicit a girl under the age of 16.

By Liz Markhlevskaya

PORTSMOUTH — A school employee was arrested Friday on charges alleging he used the Internet to sexually solicit a girl under the age of 16.

Kenneth P. Kimber, 34, of 93 Osprey Drive, who was working in the school district's information technology department, was terminated from his job effective Wednesday, after the police completed their investigation.

Kimber is facing eight charges in relation to his alleged solicitation of a minor, including three felony counts of using a computer in a prohibited way and five felony counts of indecent exposure.

In a press release, school department officials stated Kimber's employment was terminated after he conducted multiple violations of school policy, including the policy concerning Internet use.

“The circumstances in this case constituted a serious breach of conduct that will not be tolerated by the School Department,” read an announcement released Friday.

Kimber was also the boys varsity basketball head coach at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, this past season.

Police say that Kimber's alleged solicitation occurred between Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, while he was on staff at the Portsmouth School Department.

“The School Department took immediate interim steps to ensure that all students were protected,” according to the statement from the School Department.

The police investigation into the matter began when a tip was made to the Crime Stoppers hot line. The School Department cooperated with police to investigate the tip, and N.H. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force also assisted in the investigation.

According to the School Department statement, “We are appreciative of the person who shared information through the Crime Stoppers hot line. It is an invaluable tool in providing otherwise unknown information to authorities that provide an opportunity to immediately investigate and address issues.”

After his arrest Friday, Kimber was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail; if he posts bail, he will be released on $15,000 personal recognizance bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday at Portsmouth Circuit Court.

If you have any information concerning this crime or similar crimes, contact Detective Kristyn Rogers-Bernier at 603-610-7529.

You can also contact Seacoast Crime Stoppers by leaving an anonymous tip at 603-431-1199 or at seacoastcrimestoppers.org. You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637) with the letters “TIPSCS” and leave your tip that way. If your tip leads to an arrest or indictment of the individual you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

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